U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) asked both Apple and Google to require “clear and understandable privacy policies for all of their apps.”

[ad#Google Adsense 300×250 in story]The Senator made the statements in a letter sent to both companies.

“If the companies agree to this request, consumers who purchase apps from Apple or Google’s app stores would have a clearer understanding of what information is being collected about them and with whom it’s being shared,” wrote Franken.

Franken’s letter is a follow-up to testimony by both companies earlier this month.

In his testimony, Apple’s Vice President of Software Technology, Guy L. “Bud” Tribble, said that “Apple is strongly committed to giving our customers clear and transparent notice, choice and control over their information, and we believe our products do so in a simple and elegant way.”

It seems Franken is asking the companies to backup their commitment to privacy.

“Apple and Google have each said time and again that they are committed to protecting users’ privacy. This is an easy opportunity for your companies to put that commitment into action,” said Franken.